City of Tulsa, OK

10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 13:26

Mayor Bynum and Oklahoma Veterans United Recognize Veteran Employer Champions in Tulsa

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Mayor Bynum and Oklahoma Veterans United Recognize Veteran Employer Champions in Tulsa

10/31/2024

In collaboration with Oklahoma Veterans United (OKVU), Mayor G.T. Bynum proudly recognized 24 Oklahoma employers today in a special recognition ceremony for their commitment to creating Veteran-ready cultures and becoming Veteran Employer Champions.
The Veteran Employer Champion recognition was created from a thorough statewide survey initiated at the Governor's Veteran Symposium in October 2017. OKVU's Veteran Employment Committee researched and developed the survey and scoring rubric to identify and recognize Veteran Employer Champions based on validated and proven employment practices. Champions have demonstrated their commitment to being a Veteran-ready workplace by meeting all seven benchmarks.
Marking its seventh year, the Veteran Employer Champion Survey urges employers to consistently take purposeful steps to foster a veteran-ready workplace and a culture that embraces veterans and acknowledges them as true champions in the workforce.
"We owe it to our veterans to recognize their service and sacrifice by offering them meaningful opportunities in the workforce," Mayor G.T. Bynum said. " Hiring veterans not only honors their commitment to our country but also enriches our businesses with unique skills, dedication, and leadership."
Oklahoma Veterans United has meticulously developed a process to identify Veteran Employer Champions in Oklahoma and the Tulsa region. The Veteran Employer Network has experienced steady membership growth in 2024, with 239 members, an increase of 28 members since 2023, representing 128 employers.
"This year, 24 employers earned the 2024 Veteran Employer Champion badge by completing the annual Veteran Employer Champion survey and meeting all seven benchmarks required to receive recognition," Rachel Runfola, Chief Executive Officer of Oklahoma Veterans United, said. "While their missions and scope of work vary, there is one common denominator among them all - their unwavering commitment to ensuring veterans and their families are honored and fully supported by creating veteran-ready cultures where they can thrive."
To be acknowledged as a Veteran Employer Champion, Oklahoma employers must meet seven benchmarks, including:
  • Veteran recruitment, hiring, and retention
  • Active veteran engagement with onboarding, VERG, or buddy program
  • Support for veteran community programs and events
  • Veteran-specific resources and support for employees
  • Executive sponsor leading veteran strategies
  • Provide support for guard/reserve beyond USERRA
  • Create opportunities for veterans/military members to show their pride
The 24 employers honored today include:
  • AAON
  • Arvest Bank
  • Barracuda Staffing and Consulting
  • Berryhill Fire Protection District
  • BOK Financial
  • Cox Communications (two departments earned the recognition)
  • EAGLE OPS Foundation
  • Harrison Energy Partners
  • Lowes Home Improvement
  • Matrix Service Company
  • Melton Truck Lines
  • Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Oklahoma Veterans United
  • ONE Gas
  • ONEOK, Inc.
  • PACCAR WINCH, Inc.
  • Spirit Aerosystems Inc.
  • Tactical Electronics & Military Supply
  • The NORDAM Group LLC
  • The Persimmon Group
  • Volunteers of America
  • Williams Companies, Inc.
Honorable Mention (no formal recognition)
  • Center for Employment Opportunities
  • Public Service Company of Oklahoma, an AEP company
  • SeneGence
  • The Coffee Bunker
The City of Tulsa, Oklahoma Veterans United, and DR Consulting are proud partners of the Veteran Employer Champions Survey.
If an employer wishes to join the Veteran Employer Champion Network, please reach out to Mark Morgan, Community Executive Liaison, Oklahoma Veterans United, at [email protected].
For a glimpse at this year's employers, visit the Oklahoma Veterans United website at okvetunited.org.
The City of Tulsa is honored to celebrate these businesses and their commitment to providing meaningful career opportunities for our veterans.